Actuating Apparatus

ABSTRACT

A downhole actuating apparatus ( 10 ) comprising a body ( 12 ), an object ( 14 ) provided on the body, and a sealing arrangement ( 30 ) provided on the body and axially spaced from the object. In use, the apparatus ( 10 ) is deployed downhole until the object ( 14 ) engages an obstacle ( 44 ). The sealing arrangement is configured to provide protection for the object during deployment of the apparatus and/or while the apparatus is engaged with the obstacle.

FIELD OF INVENTION

This invention relates to a downhole actuating apparatus for use in downhole operations.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

In the oil and gas industry many downhole operations involve sending objects, for example, balls, darts or the like from the surface to be caught at some point along a downhole system to perform a desired function, such as mechanical actuation, flow control or the like. For example, WO 2011/117601 and WO 2011/117602 each disclose downhole apparatus which require an object to be caught so as to permit actuation of the desired function of the apparatus. For example, the apparatus may be actuated for use in fluid flow control, fracturing operations or the like.

A downhole obstacle, for example, a restriction, seat or the like may be used to catch the object. The object and the obstacle may engage each other in order to actuate or provide the desired function of the apparatus. For example, the engagement between the object and the obstacle may be used to provide a seal therebetween, to actuate fluid communication ports, or the like. One of the problems in providing an object for actuating the desired function is that downhole fluid, for example, fracturing, or acidizing fluid or the like may be particularly harsh to mechanical components and thus result in damage to the object or obstacle. Any fluid which passes between the object and the obstacle when deployed may result in further damage, which may cause poor or inefficient operation of the apparatus.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a downhole actuating apparatus comprising:

a body,

an object provided on the body, and

a sealing arrangement provided on the body and axially spaced from the object.

In use, the apparatus may be deployed downhole until the object engages an obstacle, for example, a restriction, seat, or the like. The sealing arrangement may provide protection for the object, for example during deployment of the apparatus and/or while the apparatus is engaged the obstacle.

The sealing arrangement may be configured to define or establish sealing contact with an internal surface of a bore, such as a bore of a tubular, downhole tool or the like. The sealing arrangement may be configured to isolate portions of a bore on either side of the sealing arrangement. In such an arrangement, the object may be located on one isolated side of the seal arrangement. This may protect the object from exposure from the isolated region on the other side of the seal arrangement.

The apparatus may be configured as a dart, wherein the dart may be deployable downhole.

The sealing arrangement may be configured to at least partially protect the object from fluids which may erode, etch, chemically degrade, or otherwise damage the object while the apparatus is deployed and/or in use. By protecting the object, the sealing arrangement may maintain integrity of the object and to assist in providing proper functioning of the apparatus.

The sealing arrangement may be configured to at least partially protect the body from fluids which may erode, etch, chemically degrade, or otherwise damage the body while the apparatus is deployed and/or in use. By protecting the body, the sealing arrangement may maintain integrity of the body and ensure proper functioning of the body.

The apparatus may be configured for use in providing a downhole operation. For example, the apparatus may seal, unseal, occlude, divert flow, control flow, or otherwise influence, establish or change configuration of a downhole operation.

The object may be configured for use in providing a downhole operation. The body may be configured for use in providing a downhole operation. The sealing arrangement may be configured for use in providing a downhole operation.

Any component of the apparatus, for example, any of the object, body and sealing arrangement may be configured for use in providing a downhole operation. A combination of features may be configured for providing a downhole operation. At least one component may be configured for use in providing a first downhole operation and at least one other component may be configured for use in providing a second downhole operation.

The apparatus may be configured to provide a seal. For example, the apparatus may be configured to establish a seal at an obstacle. A seal may be provided between a first side of the apparatus and a second side of the apparatus. A seal may be provided between directly opposing sides of the apparatus.

The apparatus may be configured to actuate a downhole sealing tool. For example, the apparatus may be deployed to actuate a downhole tool configured to provide a seal, e.g. a packer or the like.

The apparatus may be configured to unseal a previously established seal. For example, the apparatus may be deployed to disturb, remove, displace or otherwise perturb a previously established seal.

The apparatus may be configured to establish a flow diversion downhole. For example, the apparatus may be configured to divert flow from a first flow path to a second flow path. The apparatus may occlude a first port or flow path and reveal a second port or flow path, wherein fluid flow may be diverted via the second port. The apparatus may at least partially occlude a first port, thereby restricting fluid flow therethrough and increasing fluid flow through a second port.

The apparatus may be configured to actuate a flow control device, for example, an inflow control device, or the like by opening, closing or varying the flow control device. By providing control capabilities for a flow control device, the apparatus may provide for selective activation or de-activation of flow control.

The apparatus may be configured to actuate a valve, for example, a flapper valve, sleeve valve, ball valve, or the like by opening, closing, or varying the valve. By providing actuation of a valve, the apparatus may selectively provide or prevent fluid flow through the valve. The apparatus may be configured to transfer at least one component of a downhole tool from a first location to a second location. For example, a part of a downhole tool may be moved from one position to another position to actuate a downhole operation. A downhole tool may be shifted in its entirety from one downhole position to second, other downhole position. The apparatus may provide relative motion between components of a downhole tool.

The apparatus may be configured to transfer a downhole tool from a first downhole location to a second downhole location. For example, force applied by the apparatus upon a downhole tool may relatively move the downhole tool in a longitudinal direction. Force applied by the apparatus upon a downhole tool may relatively move the downhole tool in a transversal direction. Torque applied by the apparatus to the downhole tool may position the downhole tool from a first circumferential position to a second circumferential position, wherein the circumferential positions may be relatively angularly displaced.

Any combination of movement may be provided or initiated by the apparatus upon a downhole tool.

The apparatus may be configured to transfer a sleeve, for example, a collet sleeve, flow control sleeve, or the like from a first downhole position to a second downhole position, wherein the sleeve may be configured to actuate a downhole tool before or upon reaching the second position, and wherein the first downhole position is axially spaced from the second downhole position.

The apparatus may be configured to provide a downhole operation by being statically positioned in a location required to provide the downhole operation.

The apparatus may be configured to provide a downhole operation while being deployed. For example, by being movable, the apparatus may transfer a downhole tool from one location to a second, displaced location. The apparatus may perform a wiping function during movement.

The apparatus may be configured to provide actuation of a downhole tool by being statically positioned in or at a location. For example, a downhole tool may be actuated for a period of time by the apparatus being statically positioned in a location.

The apparatus may be configured to provide actuation of a downhole tool by being movable relative to the downhole tool. For example, by being movable, the apparatus may be configured to transfer a downhole tool from one location to a second, displaced location.

The apparatus may be configured to provide a downhole operation for a period of time. For example, the apparatus may be configured to provide a downhole operation intermittently, repeatedly, temporarily or permanently. In particular, in providing a downhole operation for any period of time, the apparatus may be intermittently, temporarily or permanently situated at a relevant location, regardless of whether the apparatus provides the downhole operation over any period of time.

The apparatus may be configured to actuate a downhole tool for a period of time. For example, the apparatus may be configured to actuate a downhole tool intermittently, repeatedly, temporarily or permanently. In particular, in actuating a downhole tool for any period of time, the apparatus may be intermittently, temporarily or permanently situated at a relevant location, regardless of whether the apparatus actuates the downhole tool over any period of time.

The apparatus may be configured for use in providing a downhole operation for treating a subterranean formation. For example, the apparatus may be configured to distribute a fluid to a subterranean formation, wherein the fluid may comprise either a fracturing fluid, acidizing fluid, gel, lubricant, surfactant, water, steam, or the like.

The apparatus may be configured for use in providing a downhole fracturing operation. In providing a downhole fracturing operation, the apparatus may be configured to change or otherwise alter configuration of a downhole tool to distribute fracturing fluid to a subterranean formation. For example, the apparatus may move, align, open, close, or otherwise actuate a downhole tool to permit distribution of fracturing fluid into a subterranean formation, e.g. to open ports to permit outflow of a fracturing fluid into a surrounding formation.

The apparatus may be configured for use in providing a first downhole operation and a second downhole operation to permit fluid to be distributed to a subterranean formation. For example, the apparatus may be configured to provide a first downhole operation by sealing a flow path and further provide a second downhole operation by actuating a downhole tool to permit distribution of fluid, for example, fracturing fluid, acidizing fluid, or the like.

In providing a first downhole operation, for example, sealing or the like, and a second downhole operation, for example, actuating a downhole tool to distribute fluid or the like, any component of the apparatus may be configured to provide either the first or second downhole operations. For example, the object may be configured to provide a seal, for example, at a seat or the like, and pressure applied by uphole fluid from the sealing arrangement may provide a force on the apparatus sufficient to actuate a downhole tool, for example, to open flow ports configured to provide fluid communication between uphole fluid and a subterranean formation.

The apparatus may be configured to actuate a plurality of downhole tools, either in-turn, or simultaneously. By providing the sealing arrangement, the apparatus and the body may be protected while the apparatus provides for a downhole operation and/or actuation of a downhole tool.

At least two of the body, object and sealing arrangement may be provided as separate components. Each separate component may be provided for use in a downhole operation.

At least two of the separate components may be fixed together by welding, screw-fixing, or the like. In providing separate components, the apparatus may be configured for use in a downhole operation. For example, a differently sized object or sealing arrangement could be fixed to the same body to offer increased versatility.

At least two of either the body, object and sealing arrangement may be provided as a unitary component. Providing a unitary component may offer increased mechanical consistency between different apparatuses or may provide a decreased failure rate.

For clarity purposes, the term, ‘uphole’ refers to a borehole direction facing a borehole entry point at the surface. The term ‘downhole’ is in an opposite direction.

The apparatus may be configured to be deployed by a pressure differential acting across a component of the apparatus, for example, the object or the sealing arrangement.

The apparatus may be configured to be entrained with fluid flow downhole.

The object may be mounted towards or at a leading end of the apparatus and the sealing arrangement may be mounted towards or at a trailing end of the apparatus.

The object may be mounted towards or at a trailing end of the apparatus and the sealing arrangement may be mounted towards or at a leading end of the apparatus.

The object may be provided on the body on a leading side of the seal arrangement.

It should be understood that the leading end or side of the apparatus refers to the end which leads during normal deployment motion of the apparatus from a first downhole location to a second, axially displaced downhole location, and the trailing end of the apparatus refers to the end which trails during said forward motion of the apparatus.

The object may define a profile for engaging an obstacle. The object may include any generally curved shape, for example, a sphere, hemisphere, cone, frusto-cone or the like, wherein the obstacle also defines a correspondingly curved shape. The object may comprise a substantially spherical surface. The object may comprise a ball.

The object may be substantially rigid. By providing rigidity, the object may be suitable for use in environments exerting substantial fluid or mechanical pressures, for example, such as those pressures typically experienced in downhole environments. The object may be configured to resist extrusion of the object across or through the obstacle.

The object may be compliant. For example, the object may absorb shocks, adapt to or otherwise comply with surrounding features.

The object may be configured to resist damage in downhole environments, for example, environments where the operating temperature environment, pressure environment, chemical environment, or the like may otherwise cause damage to the object.

The object may comprise a cavity extending at least partially through the object. The cavity may be provided for mounting the object on the body. For example, a portion of the body may be received within the cavity.

The cavity may extend from one side of the object to an opposite side of the object to provide a borehole therethrough.

The cavity may extend in any longitudinal or transverse direction through the object.

The cavity may be provided along a symmetry axis of the object. Providing the cavity along a symmetry axis of the object may provide the object with balanced weight distribution which may improve stability during use.

The object may be connected to the body, for example, by welding, screwing, bolting, clamping or the like.

The body may include any suitable shape for providing support of the object and the sealing arrangement, for example, a cylinder, cuboid, cone, frusto-cone, pyramid, frusto-pyramid, or the like. The body may be configured to permit the body and the sealing arrangement to be mounted on, adjacent to or provided within the body, or otherwise attached to the body.

The body may be substantially elongate so as to provide axial separation between the object and the sealing arrangement.

The body may comprise reinforcing sections, for example, bulges, thick sections, ribs, webs or the like. The reinforcing sections may provide additional strength to the body, particularly for resisting applied stress or strain. For example, the additional strength provided by the body may increase structural integrity of the apparatus.

The body may comprise compliant sections, for example, thin sections, weakened sections, flexible sections or the like. The compliant sections may provide the body with flexibility to permit the body to bend, warp or otherwise deform in accordance with applied stress or strain.

The body may be provided with a substantially rigid component. By providing rigidity, the body may be suitable for use in environments exerting substantial fluid or mechanical pressures, for example, such as those pressures typically experienced in downhole environments.

The body may be provided with a substantially compliant component. A compliant component may be configured to absorb shocks, adapt to or otherwise comply with surrounding features of a pipeline.

The body may be configured to resist damage in downhole environments, for example, environments where the operating temperature environment, pressure environment, chemical environment, or the like may otherwise cause damage to materials.

A plurality of bodies may be provided. The bodies may be spaced apart, for example, transversely spaced apart. The bodies may provide increased support between the object and the sealing arrangement.

A single body may divide into a plurality of bodies extending transversely or longitudinally from the single body. The bodies may provide additional support in sections of the apparatus which may be subjected to increased stresses or strains.

The sealing arrangement may be provided or mounted on a support member, such as a hub, cap, or the like, wherein the support member may be connected, integral with, or otherwise arranged relative to the body.

The sealing arrangement may define or comprise a sealing element, wherein the sealing element may extend at least partially around the support member. For example, the sealing element may extend longitudinally, transversely, circumferentially or outwardly from or around the support member.

The sealing element may comprise a cup.

The sealing arrangement may comprise a compliant portion. By providing the sealing arrangement with a compliant portion, the sealing arrangement may provide sealing contact with the internal surface of a bore or downhole tool. The compliant portion may be configurable to provide the sealing arrangement with a varying diameter to accommodate a bore or downhole tool with a varying internal diameter. The compliant portion may provide sealing contact in a bore or downhole tool of varying internal diameter.

The sealing arrangement may comprise a plurality of sealing elements. For example, the sealing elements may be axially spaced from each other.

The sealing arrangement may comprise at least one compliant section, for example, a thin section, weakened section, flexible section or the like. The compliant section may provide the sealing arrangement with flexibility to permit bending, warping or otherwise deforming in accordance with applied stress or strain. For example, compliance provided by the compliant section may provide improved sealing properties while in use.

The sealing arrangement may comprise reinforcing sections, for example, bulges, thick sections, ribs, webs or the like. The reinforcing sections may provide additional strength to the sealing arrangement, particularly for resisting applied stress or strain from uphole fluid. For example, the additional strength provided by the sealing arrangement may increase structural integrity of the sealing arrangement.

The sealing arrangement may be configured to resist damage in downhole environments, for example, environments where the operating temperature environment, pressure environment, chemical environment, or the like may otherwise cause damage to materials.

The sealing element may be accommodated in or on the body by use of glue, welding, riveting, or the like. The sealing arrangement may comprise a sealing element configured to be connected to the body, for example, by welding, screwing, bolting, or the like. The sealing arrangement may comprise a plurality of sealing elements configured to be connected, clamped, or otherwise attached to each other and at least one sealing element configured to be connected to the body, for example, by welding, screwing, bolting, or the like.

The apparatus may be provided with hollowed components to, for example, provide the apparatus with decreased weight. For example, the object may be hollowed. The body may be hollowed, for example, the body may be formed into a tubular, or the like. The sealing arrangement may be hollowed.

Any component of the apparatus may comprise any material appropriate for providing desired mechanical or chemical characteristics of the component, for example, steel, metal alloy, tungsten-nickel, titanium, ceramic, reinforced polymer, elastomer, polymer, composite, rubber, SBR rubber, or the like.

A component of the apparatus may comprise a protective surface coating or layer, for example, steel, metal alloy, tungsten-nickel, titanium, polymer, elastomer, or the like.

In use, the apparatus may provide or establish a flow diversion. The apparatus may provide or establish a flow block. The apparatus may actuate a downhole tool.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a downhole actuating method comprising:

deploying an apparatus comprising an object and a sealing arrangement downhole;

engaging the apparatus with an obstacle; the sealing arrangement providing protection for the object when downhole.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of actuating a downhole tool using an apparatus in accordance with the first aspect.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a downhole method, comprising:

deploying an apparatus downhole, wherein the apparatus comprises a body, an object provided on the body, and a sealing arrangement provided on the body and axially spaced from the object,

engaging the object with a downhole obstacle, and

establishing a seal with the sealing arrangement which is axially spaced from the object.

The sealing arrangement may comprise a sealing element which establishes sealing contact with an internal surface of a bore or downhole tool. The method may comprise applying pressure on the sealing element to increase the sealing force applied by the sealing element.

The method may comprise using the apparatus to establish a flow diversion. The method may comprise configuring the apparatus to divert flow from a first flow path to second flow path. The method may comprise at least partially occluding the first flow path and revealing the second flow path.

The method may comprise configuring the sealing arrangement to provide a flow barrier or diverter. The method may comprise configuring the object to provide a flow barrier or diverter.

The method may comprise actuating a downhole tool associated with the obstacle. The method may comprise applying a fluid pressure force on the apparatus to actuate the downhole tool.

The method may comprise actuating the downhole tool to open, close or vary a flow path. The method may comprise actuating the downhole tool to provide or establish a flow diversion. The method may comprise using the apparatus to actuate a valve. The valve may comprise a valve sleeve. The method may comprise using the apparatus to move or actuate the valve sleeve. The method may comprise actuating the valve to open, close or vary a flow path. The method may comprise actuating the valve to provide a flow diversion.

The method may comprise using the object to actuate the downhole tool.

The method may comprise actuating a first downhole tool with the apparatus, and actuating at least a second downhole tool with the first downhole tool. At least one of the first and second downhole tools may comprise a collet member. The first downhole tool may comprise an indexing tool and the second downhole tool may comprise a valve tool.

The method may comprise using the apparatus or a separate downhole tool to actuate the indexing tool. A pre-determined number of apparatuses or separate downhole tools may be used to configure the indexing tool from an initial configuration to a final configuration, the final configuration providing actuation of the valve tool or preparing the valve tool to be actuated by the apparatus. The method may comprise actuating the valve tool such that the valve tool presents an obstacle to restrict passage of a further apparatus or separate downhole tool.

The method may comprise using the apparatus to actuate the valve tool.

The method may comprise applying fluid pressure on the apparatus to apply a force on the downhole tool, thereby actuating the valve tool to provide a downhole operation.

The method may comprise configuring the valve tool to provide fluid flow control.

It should be understood that the features defined above in accordance with any aspect of the present invention or below in relation to any specific embodiment of the invention may be utilised, either alone or in combination with any other defined feature, in any other aspect or embodiment of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

These and other aspects of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 a sectional view of a downhole actuating apparatus;

FIG. 2 the actuating apparatus of FIG. 1 providing a downhole operation;

FIG. 3 a a sectional view of a downhole tool which includes a catching apparatus, wherein the catching apparatus is shown in a free configuration;

FIG. 3 b the actuating apparatus actuating the downhole tool of FIG. 3 a, wherein the catching apparatus is shown in a catching configuration;

FIG. 4 an alternative configuration of the actuating apparatus; and

FIG. 5 a further alternative configuration of the actuating apparatus.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

A downhole actuating apparatus, generally identified by reference numeral 10, is illustrated in FIG. 1. The actuating apparatus 10 is for use downhole, for example, in engaging an obstacle, for example, a restriction, seat, or the like. The apparatus 10 comprises a body 12, an object 14 provided on the body 12, and a sealing arrangement 16 provided on the body 12 and axially spaced from the object 14. The sealing arrangement 16 provides protection for the object 14, for example during use of the apparatus 10 and/or while the apparatus 10 is engaged with an obstacle.

The object 14 is profiled to be substantially spherical in shape. The object 14 comprises a bore 18 which extends throughout the object 14. The bore 18 permits the object 14 to be mounted on a leading end 20 of the apparatus 10. The body 12 is diametrically narrowed towards the leading end 20 so that it can be received within the object 14. The body 12 is elongated to provide axial separation between the object 14 and the sealing arrangement 16.

The object 14 is positioned between a first concaved member 22 and a second concaved member 24, wherein the outer surface of the object 14 is provided in contact with the concaved surfaces of concaved members 22 and 24. The object is secured by use of a fixing element 26, for example, a nut, clamp, or the like. The fixing element 26 maintains the object 14 in abutment with concaved members 22 and 24 and further acts to restrict any relative movement of the object 14 relative to the body 12.

The body 12 is provided with an opening 28 extending at least partially into the body 12. The opening 28 comprises portions which are tapered. The sealing arrangement 16 is provided at a trailing end 30 of the apparatus 10. The sealing arrangement 16 comprises a support member 32, for example, a hub, wherein the support member 32 is mounted and secured within the opening 28 via a threaded coupling. The support member 32 may comprise a central opening 34 configured to receive other components, such as other sealing arrangements.

The sealing arrangement 16 comprises a sealing element 36 generally in the form of a cup. As such, this sealing element 36 extends axially and transversely from the support member 32. The sealing element 36 provides a circumferentially extending seal when emplaced within a pipeline (not shown) having a diameter less than or equal to the transverse diameter of the sealing element 36. The sealing element 36 has a conical, or frusto-conical form, however a skilled person would understand it could take any appropriate form.

The apparatus 10 is shown in an example use in FIG. 2, wherein a downhole tool 38 is actuated by the apparatus 10. The apparatus 10 is shown co-axially positioned within a sleeve 40, wherein the sleeve 40 is co-axially positioned and moveable within an outer tubular 42. The object 14 is shown abutting an obstacle 44 provided by seat 46. In this example use, fluid pressure uphole of the sealing arrangement 16 has moved the apparatus 10 into abutment with the obstacle 44. At least a partial seal 48 may be provided between an first inner portion 50 within the sleeve 40 and a second inner portion 52 within the tubular 42, wherein the portions 50 and 52 may be fluidly isolated from each other. Alternatively, a seal may not be required however abutment may be maintained.

Force provided by uphole fluid pushes the apparatus 10, which in turn engages the seat 46 to drive the sleeve 40 in the same direction, thereby opening a port 54 and establishing fluid communication from a third inner portion 56 to a subterranean formation 58, wherein fluid communication is provided through the outer tubular 42. In FIG. 2, the port 54 permits fluid flow in a direction 60 directly or otherwise into the formation 58. A skilled person would understand that the apparatus 10 could be configured to provide alternative functionality, for example, permitting fluid flow in a direction opposite to that depicted.

The sealing arrangement 16 provides a circumferential seal 62 fluidly isolating the first inner portion 50 from the third inner portion 56. The circumferential seal 62 least partially protects the object 14 from uphole fluids which may erode, etch, chemically degrade, or otherwise damage the object while the apparatus 10 is deployed and/or in use. By protecting the object 14, the circumferential seal 62 maintains the integrity of the object 14 and assists in providing proper functioning of the apparatus 10.

The apparatus may be configured to actuate or operate a downhole indexing sleeve such as a collet sleeve disclosed in WO 2011/117601 and/or WO 2011/117602. The disclosure of WO 2011/117601 and WO 2011/117602 are incorporated herein by reference.

A portion of a downhole tool, generally identified by reference number 110, is illustrated in FIG. 3 a. The apparatus 10 may be used in combination with this example tool. In the present example the downhole tool 110 is for use in treating, for example fracturing, a subterranean formation. The tool 110 comprises a housing 112 which defines a plurality of ports 114 (only one visible on FIG. 3 a). A valve sleeve 116 is mounted within the housing 112 and is shown in a closed position in FIG. 3 a, in which the ports 114 are closed and sealed via o-rings 118. When in this initial closed position the valve sleeve 116 is pinned to the housing via shear pin 119.

A catching apparatus 120, according to a present example, is mounted within the housing 112 on a downhole side of the valve sleeve 116. The catching apparatus 120 is provided, generally, in the form of a collet-type sleeve, and comprises a tubular body 122 and a plurality of collet fingers 124 which extend axially from the tubular body 122. Each finger 124 carries at a distal end thereof a respective seat member 126. The catching apparatus 120 defines a longitudinal axis 128, which is coincident with the longitudinal axis of the tool 110, and the fingers 124 and seat members 126 are circumferentially distributed around this axis 128. The fingers 124 are deformable by bending in a longitudinal direction to permit the seat members 126 to be selectively moved radially into and out of a central bore or passage 130 defined by the catching apparatus 120. In the configuration shown in FIG. 3 a, the seat members are positioned in a biased radially outward position, received within a recess 132 provided in the housing 112, and thus removed from the central bore 130. Accordingly, any object passing through the tool 110 will not be caught by the catching apparatus 120. For example, a passing object may continue past the tool 110 to perform some operation further downhole, for example within a deeper tool. In this respect, the catching apparatus 120 may be considered to be presented in a free configuration in FIG. 3 a.

An activator sleeve 134 is located downhole of the catching apparatus 120, wherein said sleeve 134 defines an activation surface 136 and a step profile 138. In the configuration shown in FIG. 3 a the activator sleeve 134 is secured to the housing 112 via a number of shear screws 140, and covers an annular recess 142.

The downhole tool 110 is shown in FIG. 3 b in an initial activated configuration. Specifically, the shear screw 119 has been sheared and the valve sleeve 116 has been axially moved in a downhole direction to open the ports 114 and permit fluid communication outwardly from the tool 110. The valve sleeve 116 may be moved by any suitable actuator, such as via a piston. In some examples the valve sleeve may be moved or actuated by an indexing sleeve, such as a collet sleeve disclosed in WO 2011/117601 and/or WO 2011/117602.

During actuation the valve sleeve 116 acts upon the catching apparatus 120, causing this apparatus 120 to also move axially downhole within the housing 112, driving the seat members 126 out of the recess 132 and onto the activation surface 136 of the activator sleeve 134. Relative movement of the catching apparatus 120 and activator sleeve 134 is arrested upon engagement of the seat members 126 against the step profile 138. Thus, the seat members 126 are positioned radially inwardly and into the central bore 130 of the catching apparatus 120. Such a configuration of the catching apparatus 120 may be considered a catching configuration. That is, any object, such as the object 14 of the actuating apparatus 10 (shown in broken outline) of appropriate dimension passing through the tool 110 will engage and seat against the seat members 126, thus becoming caught.

In the exemplary example shown, the object 14 may function to block the tool 110 and establish a flow diversion such that substantially all fluid may be diverted outwardly through the ports 114, for example to fracture a surrounding formation. Further, in some examples the object 14 may have previously operated a system, such as an indexing system, to initially move the valve sleeve 116 and/or catching apparatus 120.

In many fracturing operations a fracturing fluid is used which carries particulate material or proppant, and as such the fracturing fluid is highly abrasive. In this respect if the abrasive fracturing fluid were to continue to flow past the object 14 when engaged with the seat members 126 with any significant flowrate, erosion of the object 14 and/or seat members 126 may occur. Such erosion could result in the object 14 being prematurely released from the catching apparatus 120, which may render continued fracturing through the ports 114 difficult.

In this respect the sealing arrangement 16 may function to isolate the object 14 from the fracturing fluid which is flowing above the apparatus 10.

When the object 14 is to be released the catching apparatus 120 may be reconfigured into a release configuration (the release configuration is not illustrated for brevity). In this respect, and with reference to FIG. 3 b, pressure may be elevated uphole of the object 14, increasing the force being applied axially on the catching apparatus 120, and also on the activator sleeve 134 via the engagement of the seat members 126 with the step profile 138. Upon reaching a predetermined axial force the shear screws 140 will shear, permitting the catching apparatus 120 and activator sleeve 134 to move axially downhole. As such, the annular recess 142 may become uncovered, and upon relief of fluid pressure a spring 146 may move the catching apparatus 120 in an uphole direction to permit the seat members 126 to become located within the recess 142, allowing the object 14 to be released. By such use, the activator sleeve 134 may function as a release sleeve.

In reference to FIG. 4, the apparatus 10 is shown with a second sealing arrangement 64 axially spaced from the sealing arrangement 16. The second sealing arrangement 64 is attached to the sealing arrangement 16 in an identical manner than the sealing arrangement 16 is attached to the body 12. The second sealing arrangement 16 is provides additional sealing capabilities which assists in protecting the object 14 from uphole fluid. Any number of sealing arrangements may be provided to provide improved sealing.

In reference to FIG. 5, the apparatus 10 is shown with a hemispherical object 66 which provides identical functional to the object 14 of FIG. 1, wherein the object 66 is attached to the body 12 in the same manner as described in FIG. 1. Any alternative shape may be used as an object, providing it serves to provide a seal, where required.

It should be understood that the embodiments described herein are merely exemplary and that various modifications may be made thereto without departing from the scope of the present invention.

In the exemplary embodiments described the catching apparatus is utilised within a tool which is used for fracturing operations. However, generally, the catching apparatus may be utilised in any situation where an object must be caught. For example, the catching apparatus may function as an actuator, wherein movement of the apparatus to actuate a further apparatus or process may be achieved upon or subsequent to catching an object. 

1. A downhole actuating apparatus comprising: a body, an object provided on the body, and a sealing arrangement provided on the body and axially spaced from the object.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is configured to engage an obstacle.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein in use, the object engages the obstacle, and the sealing arrangement is operable to provide protection for the object.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the sealing arrangement is engageable with an internal surface of a bore or an internal surface of a downhole tool to provide sealing contact therewith.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least two of the body, object and sealing arrangement are provided as separate components.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein at least two of the body, object and sealing arrangement are provided as a unitary component.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the object is mounted towards or at a leading end of the apparatus and the sealing arrangement is mounted towards or at a trailing end of the apparatus.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the object is mounted towards or at a trailing end of the apparatus and the sealing arrangement is mounted towards or at a leading end of the apparatus.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the object is provided on the body on a leading side of the seal arrangement.
 10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the object defines a profile for engaging an obstacle.
 11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least part of the object comprises a substantially spherical surface.
 12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the object comprises a ball.
 13. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the object comprises a cavity extending at least partially through the object.
 14. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the cavity is provided for mounting the object on the body.
 15. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the body is substantially elongate so as to provide axial separation between the object and the sealing arrangement.
 16. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the sealing arrangement is provided or mounted on a support member.
 17. The apparatus of claims 1, wherein the sealing arrangement defines or comprises a sealing element.
 18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the sealing element extends at least partially around the support member.
 19. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the sealing element comprises a cup.
 20. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the sealing arrangement comprises a compliant portion.
 21. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the sealing arrangement comprises a plurality of sealing elements.
 22. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the sealing elements are axially spaced from each other.
 23. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein in use, the apparatus provides or establishes a flow diversion.
 24. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein in use, the apparatus provides or establishes a flow block.
 25. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein in use, the apparatus actuates a downhole tool.
 26. A downhole method, comprising: deploying an apparatus downhole, wherein the apparatus comprises a body, an object provided on the body, and a sealing arrangement provided on the body and axially spaced from the object, engaging the object with a downhole obstacle, and establishing a seal with the sealing arrangement which is axially spaced from the object.
 27. The method of claim 26, comprising establishing the seal to provide protection for the object.
 28. The method of claim 26, wherein the sealing arrangement comprises a sealing element which establishes sealing contact with an internal surface of a bore or downhole tool.
 29. The method of claim 28, comprising applying pressure on the sealing element to increase the sealing force applied by the sealing element.
 30. The method of claim 28, comprising providing a plurality of sealing elements.
 31. The method of claim 26, comprising using the apparatus to establish a flow diversion.
 32. The method of claim 26, comprising configuring the apparatus to divert flow from a first flow path to second flow path.
 33. The method of claim 32, comprising at least partially occluding the first flow path and revealing the second flow path.
 34. The method of claim 26, comprising configuring the sealing arrangement to provide a flow barrier or diverter.
 35. The method of claim 26, comprising configuring the object to provide a flow barrier or diverter.
 36. The method of claim 26, comprising actuating a downhole tool associated with the obstacle.
 37. The method of claim 36, comprising applying a fluid pressure force on the apparatus to actuate the downhole tool.
 38. The method of claim 38, comprising actuating the downhole tool to open, close or vary a flow path.
 39. The method of claim 36, comprising actuating the downhole tool to provide or establish a flow diversion.
 40. The method of claim 36, comprising using the apparatus to actuate a valve.
 41. The method of claim 40, wherein the valve comprises a valve sleeve.
 42. The method of claim 41, comprising using the apparatus to move or actuate the valve sleeve.
 43. The method of claim 40, comprising actuating the valve to open, close or vary a flow path.
 44. The method of claim 40, comprising actuating the valve to provide a flow diversion.
 45. The method of claim 36, comprising using the object to actuate the downhole tool.
 46. The method of claim 26, comprising actuating a first downhole tool with the apparatus, and actuating at least a second downhole tool with the first downhole tool.
 47. The method of claim 46, wherein at least one of the first and second downhole tools comprises a collet member.
 48. The method of claim 46, wherein the first downhole tool comprises an indexing tool and the second downhole tool comprises a valve tool.
 49. The method of claim 48, comprising using the apparatus Cr a separate downhole tool to actuate the indexing tool.
 50. The method of claim 49, comprising using a pre-determined number of apparatuses or separate downhole tools to configure the indexing tool from an initial configuration to a final configuration, the final configuration providing actuation of the valve tool or preparing the valve tool to be actuated by the apparatus.
 51. The method of claim 50, comprising actuating the valve tool such that the valve tool presents an obstacle to restrict passage of a further apparatus or separate downhole tool.
 52. The method of claim 48, comprising using the apparatus to actuate the valve tool.
 53. The method of claim 52, comprising applying fluid pressure on the apparatus to apply a force on the downhole tool, thereby actuating the valve tool to provide a downhole operation.
 54. The method of claim 53, comprising configuring the valve tool to provide fluid flow control. 